Ilonggo Sajonia undergoes successful left ACL surgery

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Ilonggo basketball standout John Bryan Sajonia’s road to recovery and rehabilitation has begun after successful surgery on his left knee.

Barbie Arsolon, team manager of the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, posted a significant update on Sajonia’s status, announcing that the PBA rookie underwent left ACL reconstruction and lateral meniscus repair on Aug. 25, 2026.

The former Santa Clarita International School of Iloilo superstar injured his left knee on Aug. 12, 2026, during the early minutes of the third quarter against the San Miguel Beermen.

During a fast break at the 8:55 mark, Sajonia injured his left knee on a drive against Marcio Lassiter’s defense.

After attempting a hop-step move, Sajonia planted his left knee awkwardly on the ground, causing him to fall.

Sajonia was then carried off the court on a stretcher and did not return to the game. The left ACL injury was confirmed the day after the game against the Beermen.

“To everyone who has been asking about Bryan, thank you for your concern, prayers, and support,” Arsolon posted on her official Facebook account.

Selected 39th overall in the fourth round of the PBA Season 50 Draft, Sajonia was considered the “biggest steal of the night” after coming off a Finals MVP campaign with the San Beda Red Lions.

The pride of Pavia, Iloilo, steered the Red Lions to their 24th NCAA men’s basketball title with standout performances in back-to-back games against the Letran Knights in the finals.

Sajonia carried his momentum into the PBA and gradually earned a role as the team’s sixth man.

Before suffering the injury, Sajonia was averaging 11.5 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists for Titan Ultra.

His best PBA performance so far came on March 29, 2026, when he scored a career-high 29 points against the Meralco Bolts at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Sajonia is expected to be sidelined for at least 12 months and will most likely return to the PBA in the first conference of 2027.